Storm Claudia boosts water levels but drought status remains

Rainfall brought to Yorkshire by Storm Claudia has led to further improvement in Yorkshire’s reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater levels.

This has resulted in a record-breaking increase, but the region remains under official drought status, meaning water restrictions are still in place.

As a result of rainfall over the last seven days, reservoir levels are recovering well at 80.5%, following an increase of 15%, up from 65.3% last week. Hull aquifer levels have also improved, rising to 46.6% from 38.2%.

The increase in levels demonstrates that Yorkshire Water’s recovery plan is on track, aided by drought permits implemented across the region to boost reservoir recovery.

The levels across different reservoir groups show a varied picture:

• Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley: 80% (up from 60%)

• Reservoirs in Nidderdale: 81% (up from 73%)

• Reservoirs in Calderdale and Kirklees: 86% (up from 74%)

• Reservoirs around Sheffield: 80% (up from 51%)

The varied rainfall across the region means some reservoirs are now full, while others remain below 60%.

Dave Kaye, director of water services at Yorkshire Water, said: “The impact of Storm Claudia over the weekend, and our continued drought permit activity, has led to another record-breaking uplift of reservoir levels. Whilst nine weeks of positive recovery does not entirely make up for the shortfall left by 28 weeks of decline due to the driest spring and summer on record in the region, it represents a very encouraging step in the right direction.”

Mr Kaye acknowledged the varied levels of recovery across the region, stating that the company is working to balance supplies via its grid network, but some reservoirs rely on natural rainfall.

He confirmed that the restrictions would stay in place.

“Whilst our recovery plan is on track, Yorkshire remains in official drought status. Recent Environment Agency reports indicate that lower than average rainfall over winter would result in continued drought and risks to water supplies next year, so we need to continue managing our resources very carefully.

“That being said, when we introduced the restrictions in July, we said we would remove them as soon as resources recovered, and that aim has not changed. In the meantime, we would like to thank customers in their efforts to stick to the temporary restrictions and those taking steps to conserve water resources.”